Retaining Cap

ABSTRACT

A cap for use with devices, such as sensors. The cap includes protrusions on its underside, to restrict the movement of a liquid or a gel placed under cap. The protrusions may take the form of walls or pillars, depending on the application. As such, the cap retains the liquid or gel in a specified position on the device. For example, an electrochemical sensor may require a liquid electrolyte to remain in place over one or more electrodes. The protrusions may not extend far enough to touch the device, but rather leave a small gap. However, because of the surface tension of the liquid, the liquid generally stays within the protrusions.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This document pertains generally, but not by way of limitation, to a retaining cap such as for a portion of an electronic device, and in particular, the present disclosure relates to a cap for use with discrete or semiconductor-based sensors or devices in which a liquid or gel, such as an electrolyte, forms part of the device.

BACKGROUND

Various types of devices use a liquid or a gel in order to ensure proper operation. For example, electrochemical sensors may include a liquid electrolyte. The liquid electrolyte is formed over one or more electrodes, and contact with those electrodes is important for consistent operation of the device. In order to ensure that the electrolyte remains in place, a cap is placed over the sensor. However, if the cap is not completely filled with electrolyte, which could be the case if the sensor is an electrochemical gas sensor, then dependent on the orientation of the device, the electrolyte may move such that complete coverage of the electrodes is not achieved. Furthermore, over time, electrolytes typically dry out, causing shrinkage. Shrinkage of the electrolyte can also exacerbate these problems. Similar issues may exist with other types of devices such as MEMs devices. Any type of device in which a liquid or a gel is required to be maintained in a particular location may be subject to the problems described above.

In view of the above, there is a need for improved caps which can better retain liquids or gels under a variety of conditions.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to a cap for use with devices, such as sensors. The cap includes protrusions on its underside, to restrict the movement of a liquid or a gel placed under cap. The protrusions may take the form of walls or pillars, depending on the application. As such, the cap retains the liquid or gel in a specified (e.g., predefined) position on the device. For example, an electrochemical sensor may require a liquid electrolyte to remain in place over one or more electrodes. The protrusions may not extend far enough to touch the device, but rather leave a small gap. However, because of the surface tension of the liquid, the liquid generally stays within the protrusions.

In certain embodiments, a cap, for use in discrete or semiconductor-based devices, the cap comprising: a cap structure defining a first recess configured to hold a liquid or a gel when the cap is positioned adjacent a device; a retaining structure, formed in a first surface of the cap structure, configured to restrict the movement of the liquid or gel located under the cap.

In certain embodiments, a device is provided comprising the cap of the previous paragraph.

In certain embodiments a method of manufacturing a device, comprising: providing a substrate having a first specified area; attaching a cap to a first surface of the substrate, the cap covering the first specified area, and having a retaining structure, formed in a first surface of the cap structure, and configured to restrict the movement of a liquid or a gel located under the cap; and inserting a liquid or gel through a first hole formed in the cap; wherein the retaining structure is configured to retain the liquid or gel in alignment with the first specified area.

In certain embodiments an electrochemical sensor, comprising: a substrate; at least one electrode formed on a first surface of the substrate; a cap, attached to the substrate and covering the at least one electrode; a liquid or gel electrolyte, formed within the cap; wherein the cap includes a retaining structure on a side of the cap facing the substrate, and the retaining structure is configured to retain the liquid or gel such that is substantially covers the at least one electrode.

Further features of certain embodiments may be found in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a cross-sectional view of a semiconductor-based sensor;

FIG. 2 shows a cross-section view of the sensor of FIG. 1 when orientated on its side;

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of the cap shown in FIG. 3;

FIG. 5 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor including the cap of FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when orientated on its side;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when orientated on the opposing side to that shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when orientated upside down;

FIG. 9 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when exposed to high humidity conditions;

FIG. 10 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when exposed to low humidity conditions;

FIG. 11 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when exposed to low humidity conditions and orientated on its side;

FIG. 12 shows a cross-sectional view of the sensor of FIG. 5 when exposed to low humidity conditions and orientated on the opposing side to that shown in FIG. 11;

FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 15 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 21 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor including a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 23 shows a cross-sectional view of a sensor including a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 24 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap shown in FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 26 shows a plan view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 27 shows a plan view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 28 shows a plan view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 29 shows a plan view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 30 shows a plan view of the underside of a cap according to a further embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure relates to a cap design which may assist in retaining a liquid or a gel, in discrete or semiconductor devices such as sensors. In various embodiments of this disclosure, the cap is provided with one or more retaining structures on the underside of the cap. Typically, these caps include a peripheral wall, which is traditionally used to maintain a liquid within a recess formed by the peripheral wall. In the present disclosure, a retaining structure is formed within the peripheral wall, on the underside of the cap. For example, the retaining structure may be a cylindrical wall which forms a further recess within the cap. The cylindrical wall has a height which is less than the height of the peripheral wall. When a liquid is introduced into the cap, because of the very small dimensions of the cap, the surface tension of the liquid affects its ability to move within the retaining structure. As such, although the retaining cylindrical structure does not physically prevent the liquid leaving within the cap, the effect of the surface tension of the liquid means that the liquid remains within the retaining structure.

The retaining structure may take the form of one or more linear or arcuate walls formed within the peripheral wall. Further details of these are provided below. Alternatively, the retaining structure may take the form of a large number of pillars formed on the under-surface of the cap. As with the retaining walls, although these pillars do not physically prevent the liquid moving within the cap, the surface tension of the liquid mean that the liquid does in fact remain in place under the cap.

FIG. 1 shows an example of an electrochemical sensor in which the cap includes no retaining structures. FIG. 1 is a simplified version of an electrochemical sensor, and further details concerning examples of such a sensor may be found in U.S. patent application Ser. No. 15/251,833, which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety. The electrochemical sensor 100 includes a substrate 101 which includes an electrode 102. In alternative embodiments, the sensor may include a series of electrodes. A cap 103 is placed over the substrate 101 and an electrolyte 104 is formed within the cap. The cap includes a hole which is covered by one or more plugs 105. This is to prevent the electrolyte from escaping. As shown in FIG. 1, owing to the effects of surface tension, the electrolyte “sticks” to the sensor surface and the cap ceiling.

FIG. 2 shows the sensor 100 of FIG. 1, such that it is partially orientated on its side. Such an orientation may happen in various different applications. As can be seen, owing to the air gap provided within the cap, the electrolyte has moved such that the electrode 102 is not completely covered by the electrolyte. This may cause the device to operate ineffectively.

FIG. 3 shows a cap 300 in accordance with an embodiment of the disclosure. The cap includes a cover 301 and a perimeter wall 302. The cap shown in FIG. 3 may have a length and a width of 4 mm. The perimeter walls may have a width of 0.2 mm. In alternative embodiments, the cap could take others sizes depending on the application. For example, caps measuring 1 mm by 1 mm or 2 mm by 2 mm could be made. The walls may be thinner or thicker than those shown, depending on the application.

In this example, the cover 301 and the perimeter wall 302 are square in shape. However, it will be appreciated that other shapes may be used as dictated by the device in question. The cover 301 and the perimeter wall 302 form a main recess 303. In use, the liquid or the gel will generally be held within this recess. A liquid retaining structure 304 is formed on the underside of the cover 301. In this embodiment, the retaining structure is a cylindrical structure. In particular, it is a circular wall which is formed coaxially with the perimeter wall 302 and has a wall height which is less than the height of the perimeter wall 302. A retention recess 305 is formed within the retaining structure 304.

In this embodiment, three holes are formed in the cover 301. In this example, hole 306A is formed outside of the retaining structure, hole 306B is formed within the retaining structure and coaxially with the retaining structure, and hole 306C is formed on the opposite side of the cover to hold 306A. One of these holes may be for inserting a liquid or a gel during the manufacturing process, and the other holes may be for venting excess liquid or gel during the manufacturing process. As will be discussed in more detail below, different numbers holes may be utilised in different situations. After the device is complete, the holes are plugged.

FIG. 4 shows a cross-sectional view of cap 300. This Figure clearly shows that the retaining structure 304 has walls of a height substantially less than the height of the perimeter walls 302.

In this example, the perimeter walls have a height externally of 0.7 mm or approximately 0.7 mm. Within the recess 303, the height is 0.5 mm or approximately 0.5 mm. Each of the dispensing holes may have a diameter of 0.25 mm. The perimeter wall 304 may have a height of 0.3 mm and a width of 0.15 mm. The diameter of the liquid retaining structure may be set as required.

FIG. 5 shows a device (which may be an electrochemical sensor) which includes a substrate 500 and the cap 300. In this example, the device includes a liquid electrolyte 501, and an electrode 502. Although gaps are formed between the retaining structure 304 and the substrate 500, owing to the surface tension of the liquid electrolyte 501, the liquid electrolyte remains in place within recess 305, completely covering electrolyte 502.

FIGS. 6 and 7 show the same device when the device is oriented on either side. As can be seen, although the forces of gravity should force the electrolyte 501 towards the end of the free space provided within recess 303, the liquid retaining structure 304, combined with the surface tension of the electrolyte 501, prevents the electrolyte from moving. As such, the electrolyte maintains good coverage of the electrode 502. FIG. 8 shows the device when oriented upside-down. As with FIGS. 6 and 7, the liquid electrolyte 501 remains within the liquid retaining structure 304 and maintains good coverage of the electrode 502.

FIG. 9 demonstrates the effect of high humidity on the liquid electrolyte. In this example, the liquid electrolyte 501 expands, but generally does so to an equal degree around the edges of the liquid retaining structure 304. As such, the electrolyte 501 retains good coverage of the electrode 502.

FIG. 10 is an example of the effects of low humidity on the electrolyte 501. Here, the electrolyte is caused to shrink. The electrolyte may not remain exactly centred but it would remain within the holding structure 304 thus minimising the negative effects of drying out, i.e. the electrodes would still remain wet.

FIGS. 11 and 12 show the device oriented on either side during low humidity. As can be seen, although the electrolyte 501 does move within the recess 305, because it is prevented from moving past the retaining structure 304, it maintains good coverage with the electrode 502.

FIGS. 13 to 18 show various examples of a cap in accordance with embodiments of this disclosure, in which the perimeter wall and the liquid retaining structure wall height and wall width take different dimensions. In the example shown in FIGS. 13 to 16, various dimensions are common to each design. For example, the cap height may be any height as determined by the particular application. The same applies to the exterior perimeter wall thickness. The depth of recess 303 is typically less than 2 mm, but may be any dimension as required by the particular application. In this example, there are three dispensing/vent holes with a typical diameter of less than 0.5 mm. Furthermore, the internal cylinder diameter and wall thickness is also uniform. In FIG. 13, the liquid retaining structure 604 has a height which is 60% of the recess 603. In FIG. 14, the liquid retaining structure 704 has a height which is 90% of the height of the recess 703. In FIG. 15, the liquid retaining structure 804 has a height which is 10% of the recess 803. It will be appreciated that other liquid retaining structure heights are possible. For example, the retaining structure may be from 5% to 95% of the height of the perimeter wall. The height of the retaining structure wall and the total cap height may need to be optimised depending on the nature of the liquid used (e.g in terms of viscosity and surface tension). If the internal cap height is increased, the retaining structure height may need to be adjusted. In FIG. 16, the height is the same as in FIG. 13, but a thicker liquid retaining structure 904 wall is provided.

FIGS. 17 and 18 show examples of the cap in which the height of the cap, and hence the perimeter wall, are higher than in the previous example. For example, in FIG. 17, the perimeter wall is 1 mm rather than 0.7 mm. In FIG. 18, the perimeter 1202 is 1.5 mm rather than 0.7 mm. In both of these examples, the liquid retaining structure is 60% of the height of the recess 1103 and 1203.

FIGS. 19 and 20 show a cap in accordance with the present disclosure, which is the same as the cap shown in FIG. 3 in various respects. However, in FIG. 19, only two holes are provided, whereas in FIG. 20, five holes are provided. A cap having two holes is generally easier to manufacture. However, by using three holes, when the liquid is injected through the middle hole, the air is pushed towards the vent holes in a more uniform or symmetrical manner.

FIG. 21 shows a cap in accordance with a further embodiment of this disclosure. In a similar manner to the cap shown in FIG. 3, cap 1300 includes a cover 1301 and a perimeter wall 1302. The cover and perimeter wall define a main recess 1303. Holes 1306A and 1306B are formed in the cover 1301. In this example, the liquid retaining structure is formed from a plurality of pillars 1307. In this example, the pillars are used to push the electrolyte against the die, rather than using a cylinder to hold the electrolyte in place. Each of the pillars is 200 micrometers in diameter, although other diameters could be used, depending on the application. In FIG. 21, there are over 300 pillars, which each protrude by 0.15 mm.

FIG. 22 is an example of a cap in which the pillars have different heights. In particular, those pillars towards the centre of the cap have a smaller height than those pillars towards the edge. In this example, as well as pushing the electrolyte against the die 500, the outer pillars also have the effect of retaining the electrolyte in a central position, and accordingly act in a similar manner to the cylinder shown in the previous embodiments.

FIG. 23 is an example in which the pillars all have a uniform height. In this example, the pillars simply act to push the electrolyte against the die in a uniform manner. In an alternative embodiment, the pillars may have a non-uniform distribution. For example, the pillars may be denser towards the centre of the cap.

FIG. 24 shows a cap in accordance with a further embodiment in which there are over 180 pillars which each protrude by 0.225 mm.

In FIG. 25, there are over 155 pillars protruding by 0.3 mm. As can be seen, the number of pillars is inversely proportional to the height of the pillars. However, in alternative embodiments the number of pillars may be directly proportional to the height of the pillars.

FIGS. 26 to 30 show various other cap designs which are all identical, except for the design of the liquid retaining structure. In FIG. 26, the design is similar to that shown in FIG. 3, but rather than providing a full cylinder, four arcuate portions 1704A to 1704D are provided.

FIG. 27 shows a design which also includes arcuate portions 1804A to 1804D, where the length of the arcuate portions is less than that shown in FIG. 26.

FIGS. 28 to 30 all include linear liquid retaining structures. In FIG. 28, there are two linear portions which oppose each other.

In FIG. 29, there is a single linear portion formed in one corner of the cover. In FIG. 30, there are again two linear portions that are longer than the portion shown in FIG. 28. The designs shown in FIGS. 29 and 30 may be easier to manufacture, than the previous designs.

In FIGS. 26 to 30, the retaining structures may extend such that they make contact with the device. This is because the liquid may still expand around the retaining structures in these embodiments.

In embodiments of the disclosure, the cap may be made from standard semiconductor materials such as silicon or glass. The cap, holes and holding structures may be etched using standard lithographic techniques. Alternatively, the cap could be made of other materials such as plastics (for example, ABS, PTFE, Polypropylene, Polyimide), which may be manufactured by, for example, injection moulding or 3D printing.

A method of manufacturing a device in accordance with embodiments of the disclosure will now be described. The device includes a substrate. If the device is a sensor, it may include one or more electrodes. A cap is then placed over the device. As described above, the cap may be made of plastic, ceramic, silicon or glass, amongst other materials. If the cap is made of plastic, it is preferably prefabricated by injection molding. The recess and holes may be formed during the injection molding process. If the cap is made from glass, silicon or ceramic, the cap would typically be fabricated using wafer level processing techniques. For glass or ceramic caps, cavities can be made in the cap by firstly using photolithography to pattern the cap cavity. Then one of, or a combination of, wet etching, dry etching, sand blasting and laser drilling may be used to create the cavities in the cap. For silicon caps, cavities can be made in the cap by firstly using photolithography to pattern the cap cavity. Then one of, or a combination of, wet etching, dry etching, sand blasting, and laser drilling may be used to create the cavities in the cap. The cap is attached to the wafer through wafer bonding (wafer processing) or through placement with epoxy/adhesive on the sensor wafer (single cap placement process). Alternatively, the cap may be attached by other means such as ultrasonics. An electrolyte is dispensed through a cap hole and the hole is sealed.

In the above-described embodiments, cap designs with two to five holes have been described. If the hole is large enough, the same hole could be used for dispensing and venting. As such, designs with a single hole are possible.

In the embodiments described above, various dimensions are described. Each of these is given by way of example only. It will be appreciated that different dimensions will be required depending on the application and liquid.

In the above-described embodiments, a cap having a cover and a wall is described. Other cap arrangements are possible. For example, the cap could be a single concave structure, with retaining structures formed on its underside. 

1. A cap, for use in discrete or semiconductor-based devices, the cap comprising: a cap structure defining a first recess configured to hold a liquid or a gel when the cap is positioned adjacent a device; a retaining structure, formed in a first surface of the cap structure, configured to restrict the movement of the liquid or gel located under the cap.
 2. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the retaining structure comprises at least one protrusion formed on and extending away from the first surface of the cap structure.
 3. A cap according to claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion extends such that when the cap is positioned on a device, a gap is formed between an end of the protrusion and the device.
 4. A cap according to claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion is at least one elongate structure.
 5. A cap according to claim 4, wherein at least one elongate structure forms part of a side of a notional circle or square.
 6. A cap according to claim 5, wherein the at least one elongate structure is a plurality of elongate structures, each forming a part of the notional circle or square.
 7. A cap according to claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion is a plurality of protrusions, distributed across the first recess.
 8. A cap according to claim 7, wherein the plurality of protrusions are pillars.
 9. A cap according to claim 2, wherein the at least one protrusion defines a second recess, within the first recess.
 10. A cap according to claim 9, wherein the at least one protrusion is a cylindrical wall.
 11. A cap according to claim 9, wherein the at least one protrusion is a plurality of protrusions, and each protrusion forms part of the cylinder.
 12. A cap according to claim 2, wherein the cap structure comprises a perimeter wall and a cover, and the retaining structure is formed with the perimeter wall.
 13. A cap according to claim 12, wherein the at least one protrusion has a height which is less than that of the perimeter wall, such that, in use, the at least one protrusion does not make contact with the device.
 14. A cap according to claim 1, wherein the cap is for use with a sensor, and the liquid or gel is an electrolyte.
 15. An electronic device comprising a cap, the device comprising: a cap structure defining a first recess configured to hold a liquid or a gel when the cap is positioned adjacent a device; a retaining structure, formed in a first surface of the cap structure, configured to restrict the movement of the liquid or gel located under the cap.
 16. The electronic device of claim 15, further comprising a substrate and a liquid or gel, wherein the cap is provided on the substrate such that the liquid or gel is retained in a first specified position.
 17. The electronic device of claim 16, wherein the device is a sensor.
 18. The electronic device of claim 17, wherein the sensor is an electrochemical sensor, the sensor further comprises at least one electrode provided on the substrate, and the first specified position is such that the electrolyte is aligned with the at least one electrode.
 19. A method of manufacturing a device, comprising: providing a substrate having a first specified area; attaching a cap to a first surface of the substrate, the cap covering the first specified area, and having a retaining structure, formed in a first surface of the cap structure, and configured to restrict the movement of a liquid or a gel located under the cap; and inserting a liquid or gel through a first hole formed in the cap; wherein the retaining structure is configured to retain the liquid or gel in alignment with the first specified area.
 20. An electrochemical sensor, comprising: a substrate; at least one electrode formed on a first surface of the substrate; a cap, attached to the substrate and covering the at least one electrode; a liquid or gel electrolyte, formed within the cap; wherein the cap includes a retaining structure on a side of the cap facing the substrate, and the retaining structure is configured to retain the liquid or gel such that is substantially covers the at least one electrode. 